Dell launches sleek new gaming system: the Dell Studio XPS 435

While some news of the new computer managed to leak out yesterday (go go Dell web team!), Dell is officially launching the new XPS 435 today. With a starting price of $1099, the sleek new system is designed to pack a punch, offering Core i7 processors, up to 24GB DDR3 RAM and up to 4.5TB of hard drive space.

I got to see the computer in person at CES, and it’s a surprisingly big design. Dell usually tones down the size of their computers, although some of the XPS models do have large chassis. In this instance, the Studio XPS 435 offers a full-sized ATX case which, while large, offers a ton of space for customizations, adding in additional hard and optical drives, big fans, etc. The system is very sleek looking, and overall, I really like the design. The striking combination of light sides with a black front and orange-red trim is instantly noticeable, and stands out from the rest.

Despite having the XPS notation in its moniker, the Studio XPS 435 follows in the footsteps of the Studio XPS in that Dell considers it to be a multimedia desktop, not a true gaming machine. While the differences really start to blur when you hit these levels of performance, the Studio XPS 435 won’t be offering very high-end gaming cards like the 4870X2. You can configure it with the HD4870, however, which is a very capable card all on its own.

One very cool aspect of the new desktop is the sunken area on top, which gives you a spot for charging your devices without worrying about knocking them off. The angled USB and audio ports make for easy accessibility, even if the system sits beneath your desk all day.

As I mentioned earlier, the large case leaves a lot of room inside for, well, just about anything you want to do. Six drive bays (three 5.25″, three 3.5″) give all kinds of options for expandability. Dell also managed to put a respectable power supply in a not-gaming computer for once; at 475W it won’t run every configuration out there, but it definitely gives you a number of options.

At the base $1099, you can expect the following specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.66 GHz

Operating system: 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium

Optical drive: DVD+/-RW SuperMulti burner

Memory: 3GB DDR3 @ 1066 MHz (3 DIMMs)

Hard drive: 500GB SATA @ 7200 RPM

Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 3650 256MB

Audio: Integrated 7.1 channel

Warranty: 1 year limited hardware warranty with in-home service after remote diagnosis

Dell is shooting for people who want a computer that powers through tasks but looks great while doing it, and the Studio XPS 435 seems to fit that bill. Lots of memory, lots of hard drive space, capable graphics and processor options, Blu-Ray disc playback and built-in card slots and IR receiver give the 435 a chance to stand out above the rest, and with a relatively affordable starting price tag, it might be able to do just that. The system launches today in the US and is available now; Asia follows in early March, and Europe in May.

Be sure to visit DesktopReview soon to see our full review on this machine.